Good Samaritan laws may help reduce food waste

People waiting for the distribution of produce by The Food Bank Singapore. A Singapore Food Agency spokesman says Good Samaritan laws are being explored here. This could give businesses more protection when they donate food, and could raise the amoun
People waiting for the distribution of produce by The Food Bank Singapore. A Singapore Food Agency spokesman says Good Samaritan laws are being explored here. This could give businesses more protection when they donate food, and could raise the amount of food donated and set standards. PHOTO: THE FOOD BANK SINGAPORE
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With tonnes of food going to waste every year, the Government is mulling over the introduction of laws that could help allay business concerns over liability issues in donating food items, The Straits Times has learnt.

A spokesman for the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) told The Straits Times earlier this month that it is exploring Good Samaritan laws, which provide some legal protection against criminal or civil liabilities for people who render assistance to others.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 28, 2019, with the headline Good Samaritan laws may help reduce food waste. Subscribe